PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Megasthenes
Explanation
'Indica' is an invaluable historical account of ancient India, particularly the Mauryan Empire. It was written by the Greek historian and diplomat Megasthenes. He was sent by the Hellenistic king Seleucus I Nicator as an ambassador to the court of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya in Pataliputra. The book provides a detailed description of India's geography, society, administration, and culture during that era.
Key Points
- > Megasthenes is the author of 'Indica'.
- > He visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya.
- > He was an ambassador sent by the Greek ruler Seleucus Nicator.
- > In Indica, he divided Indian society into seven distinct classes.
- > Kautilya (Chanakya) wrote the ancient political treatise 'Arthashastra'.
- > Fa Hien visited during Chandragupta II's reign.
- > Hiuen Tsang visited during Harsha's reign.
Additional Information
Foreign Travelers to Ancient India
| Traveler Name | Origin | Visited During Reign of | Famous Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megasthenes | Greece | Chandragupta Maurya | Indica |
| Fa Hien | China | Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) | Record of Buddhist Kingdoms |
| Hiuen Tsang | China | Harshavardhana | Si-Yu-Ki |
| Ibn Battuta | Morocco | Muhammad bin Tughlaq | Rihla |
Memory Tips
- Indica = India: The book 'Indica' simply means an account of India. It was the primary source of information about India for the ancient Western world.